CINCINNATI – Kroger on Wednesday released a blueprint intended to help businesses plan to safely reopen while the coronavirus pandemic persists.

Kroger announced it has published the first installment of “Sharing What We’ve Learned” to offer “actionable recommendations” for retailers, restaurants, food service companies, manufacturers, logistics and distribution centers and other industries to consider as they start crafting plans for safe work environments.

The blueprint reflects what Kroger has learned over the past six weeks in safeguarding its associates, customers and communities, as well as what it has picked up through interaction with business leaders in other countries, including Italy, Singapore and China.

“With nearly 2,800 grocery stores, 35 manufacturing plants, 44 distribution centers and 460,000 associates across the country, Kroger has learned and continues to learn a lot while keeping our stores and supply chain open and serving America during the pandemic,” said Rodney McMullen, Kroger’s chairman and chief executive. “As an essential business, we have led with our purpose — to feed the human spirit — and have taken extensive measures across our footprint to safeguard our associates, customers and supply chain. We are sharing what we’ve learned to help businesses begin to reopen safely and in sync with their respective state plans.”

Many recommendations can be adapted for any industry sector, according to Kroger, which noted that several state governors and business organizations sought Kroger’s help last week in helping local businesses safely reopen.

Kroger said it developed the platform – KrogerBlueprint.com – in 36 hours to begin providing immediate assistance to states and businesses with plans to update with new learnings in real time.

“We decided from the onset of this crisis that transparency, agility and responsiveness would be our guiding principles, and we are now sharing what we’ve learned as an extension of our values,” McMullen said. “It’s critical for businesses to let their values guide their actions and to develop protocols and procedures in advance of reentering the marketplace to safely reopen, protecting customers and employees and flattening the curve. We recognize that not all businesses are the same. What worked for us may not work for some companies. And while there is no ‘one thing’ that makes all the difference, taking a comprehensive, thoughtful approach to safety will lead to better outcomes.”